variable

var·i·a·ble / ˈve(ə)rēəbəl/ • adj. 1. not consistent or having a fixed pattern; liable to change: the quality of hospital food is highly variable awards can be for variable amounts. ∎  (of a wind) tending to change direction. ∎  Math. (of a quantity) able to assume different numerical values. ∎  Bot. & Zool. (of a species) liable to deviate from the typical color or form, or to occur in different colors or forms. 2. able to be changed or adapted: the drill has variable speed. ∎  (of a gear) designed to give varying ratios or speeds. • n. an element, feature, or factor that is liable to vary or change: there are too many variables involved to make any meaningful predictions. ∎  Math. a quantity that during a calculation is assumed to vary or be capable of varying in value. ∎  Comput. a data item that may take on more than one value during or between programs. ∎  Astron. short for variable star. ∎  (variables) the region of light, variable winds to the north of the northeast trade winds or (in the southern hemisphere) between the southeast trade winds and the westerlies. DERIVATIVES: var·i·a·bil·i·ty / ˌve(ə)rēəˈbilitē/ n.var·i·a·ble·ness n.var·i·a·bly / -blē/ adv.